Drug Facts

How The Drug Works

Loperamide decreases movement of the digestive tract. This allows more time for reabsorption of water and electrolytes from the stool.

Uses

For relief of nonspecific acute diarrhea, chronic diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease and for Traveler’s diarrhea.

To deacrease the volume of discharge from ileostomies.

• Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. Use only when clearly needed and when the potential benefits outweigh the potential hazards to the fetus.
• Breastfeeding: It is not known if loperamide appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.
• Children: Not recommended in children under 6. Use with caution and consult your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking of if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with loperamide. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. Cholestyramine (Questran) interacts with loperamide.

Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many loperamide users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Constipation; nausea; vomiting; appetite loss; stomach ache; abdominal distention or bloating.

Other: Dry mouth; fever; rash; drowsiness; dizziness.

Guidelines for Use

• Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
• May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination or physical dexterity.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration, which may accompany diarrhea.
• May cause dry mouth. Chew sugarless gum or suck sugarless hard candies if desired.
• Notify your doctor if diarrhea does not stop after a few days or if abdominal pain, distention or fever occurs.